| Country: |
People's Republic of China |
| Alternate Name: |
DF-5 |
| Class: |
ICBM |
| Basing: |
Silo based |
| Length: |
36.00 m |
| Diameter: |
3.35 m |
| Launch Weight: |
183000 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead, 3900 kg |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear 1-3 MT |
| Propulsion: |
2-stage liquid |
| Range: |
12000 km |
| Status: |
Operational |
| In Service: |
1981 |
Details
The CSS-4 is an intercontinental-range, silo-based, liquid propellant engine. It is the first intercontinental-range ballistic missile developed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The CSS-4 ultimately derives the technology and equipment used in its development from advances made during the creation of the CSS-3. The CSS-4 is the first PRC missile that could reach targets inside of the continental US. The CSS-4 is the basis for a number of subsequent PRC missile programs.
The CSS-4 was the first Chinese missile to truly threaten the United States. While previous missiles could strike strategic targets in Russia and key US military bases in Asia, the CSS-4 was the first that could strike the continental US. The accuracy and yield of the warhead makes it easily capable of destroying large cities and military bases. This provides the PRC with a missile force capable of undermining the military strength of the US within Asia, as well as put pressure on key US allies. The missile also provides the PRC with the ability to exert pressure on the US to accomplish political or military aims, particularly with respect to the Republic of China (ROC). During a 1996 confrontation regarding PRC missile tests off the coast of Taiwan, a senior Communist Chinese official (and frequent policy spokesman) told a US official not to interfere with relations between the PRC and Taiwan because Americans “care more about Los Angeles than they do Tai Pei.” The CSS-4 also provides the PRC a great deal of prestige and the ability to retaliate in a nuclear conflict.
The CSS-4 has an effective range of 12,000 km (7,456 miles) and delivers a payload of 3,900 kg. This payload is equipped with a 1 to 3 MT yield nuclear warhead. It is reported to also be equipped with chaff and decoys, penetration aids to increase its effectiveness against any missile defense system. Its inertial guidance system provides it with an accuracy of 800 m CEP. It has a length of 36 m, a width of 3.35 m, and a launch weight of 183,000 kg. It uses a two-stage liquid propellant engine.
The CSS-4 entered development in 1965, but many of the technological advances required for the successful completion of the project took time to materialize. The first flight test occurred in 1971, with the first silo launch occurring in 1979. The missile is believed to have entered service in 1981 and was deployed in hardened silos in central China. The CSS-4 was used as a basis for a number of other programs, such as the Long March-2C space launch vehicle, the later cancelled DF-6 fractional orbital bombardment program, the PRC penetration aid program and the improved CSS-4A. The similarity between the space launch vehicles and the CSS-4/-4A result in conflicting estimates of between 20 and 50 CSS-4/-4A missiles deployed. The missiles are expected to begin being phased out in favor of the DF-31A in 2005.(1)
Footnotes
- Duncan Lennox, Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2007), 10-11.
Classified Section of China Report Said to Specify Missile Capabilities
July 27, 2005 :: BBC Worldwide Monitoring :: News
An alleged “classified section” of the Pentagon’s 2005 China report may provide greater detail on China’s missile capabilities. The Taiwanese Central News Agency cites an article posted on a website which monitors Chinese weaponry(www.zgjunshi.com) as saying that the classified version of the Pentagon’s recent report on the military power of China specifies that the communist nation has nine brigades armed with ICBMs capable of reaching the U.S. Of these, three are armed with the road-mobile Dong Feng-31 (CSS-9), and the other six with the silo-based Dong Feng-5 (CSS-4). The website also claims that China’s 094 submarines, armed with strategic missiles, have undertaken sea trials and could become a less expensive way for China to deploy its ICBMs. The article’s claims are unconfirmed, and the Taipei-based Central News Agency notes that “It was unclear how reporters from the China-based website were able to gain access to secret Pentagon information.”
The claims reported by the Taiwanese news service may, however, simply be a case of the Chinese demonstrating that the classified section of the document is within their reach, or perhaps of China making a statement about the report’s findings by means of an article posted online. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: China
» Missile details: CSS-4, CSS-9 (DF-31)
Pentagon Releases Report on Chinese Military Power
July 20, 2005 :: Department of Defense :: News
The Pentagon has released its annual report to Congress on Chinese military power, which describes China at “a strategic crossroads.” The 45-page report covers a host of topics, including Chinese military strategy and doctrine, the effects of military modernization, and an assessment of the security situation in the Taiwan Strait. “Questions remain about the basic choices China’s leaders will make as China’s power and influence grow, particularly its military power.” Of particular note is attention to such themes as China’s defense spending, strategic missile forces, the increasing number of short range missiles deployed near Taiwan, space policy, and the threat posed by a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse. (More »»»)
» NY Times: China’s Military Geared to Deterring Taiwan, Report Says
» Text of 2004 DOD Report on Chinese Military Power
» More stories on: China, Chinese Missile Defenses, Space-Based Systems
» Missile details: CSS-2, CSS-2A, CSS-3, CSS-4, CSS-4A, CSS-5 Mod 2, CSS-5, CSS-9 (DF-31), CSS-NX-5 (JL-2)
» Missile system details for: S-300P (SA-10 Grumble)
